“Hey, there is absolutelynothingwrong with sucking cock,” Beck says, waggling his brows.
“Eww, Beck, I don’t need that visual from you, thanks.” I groan.
“It’s a perfectly natural part of sex, Marley, I am sure Nitrolovesit!” Beck chuckles, glancing over his shoulder at Nitro, who emerges with glasses, and Beck eyes him with approval.
A flush crosses my cheeks, and I shove Beck’s shoulder. “I’m sure he does, but I do not need to think about my older brother sucking on anyone’s dick, thank you!”
Sage groans, grabbing the champagne bottle from Nitro’s hand and starts pouring. “Urgh, Marles, you’re such a prude. So, Uber Man, you treating my bestie right?”
Nitro grins. “I’m doing my best to deserve her.”
“Good answer,” Sage says, raising her glass. “To Marley! For being brave enough to choose herself, talented enough to land her dream job, and smart enough to date a man who actually appreciates her.”
“To Marley,” Beck and Nitro echo.
The champagne is sweet and perfect.
The evening unfolds with laughter and stories. Beck’s photography horror story about a drunk mother-of-the-bride. Sage’s coffee shop tales. And I soak it all in, this apartment filled with people I love, celebrating something I accomplished.
Nitro’s arm settles around my shoulders, and Beck nudges Sage knowingly.
“What?” I ask.
“Just observing how domestic you two are.”
“Wearea couple, you know?” I point out.
“A real couple now,” Sage adds. “Not fake dating anymore?”
Nitro’s hand tightens on my shoulder. “Never was fake on my end.”
“Mine either,” I admit softly.
Beck suddenly stands, phone in hand. “Okay, I need a photo of this moment. You two look disgustingly happy.”
Nitro pulls me closer, and Beck starts snapping pictures like a professional.
“You two are ridiculously photogenic,” he mutters. “Look at this chemistry.”
“Let me see,” Sage demands, then her eyes go wide. “Oh my God, Marley, you need to frame these.”
“They’re just photos—”
“They’re not just photos,” Beck interrupts, showing me. “Look.”
So, I do. And my breath catches. In the image, Nitro and I are on the sofa, his arm around me, my head tilted toward his. We’resmiling at each other. The way he’s looking at me, as though I am the only good thing in his life, makes my chest tight.
We look happy, real, and completely in love.
“See?” Beck says softly. “This is what everyone sees. You’re not faking anything. This is real, Marley.”
I meet Nitro’s eyes, and something passes between us. Recognition. Acknowledgment of what we’ve both been too scared to say.
This isreal.
This islove.
“All right,” Sage announces. “Who’s hungry? I saw a pizza place down the street.”
